Who Needs A CPA? (7 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a CPA)
Do you know how much the operations in your business are costing you? Are you sure that it’s actually making money for you? In order to answer these questions and more, your business needs a CPA. From sales and purchases to expenses and taxes, running a business can be an incredibly complex task. A certified […]
What Is an IRS 1099 Form?
A 1099 form is an informational return that is used to report certain types of payments made by businesses to contractors and other unincorporated service providers. It is an informational return in the sense that third parties such as businesses and institutions use it to notify government agencies and taxpayers of the tax payable. The […]
How to find the best accountant for your construction firm
Most business owners can benefit from working with a professional accountant, but if you’re in the construction industry, it’s even more important to make sure you’re getting great advice. Due to the nature of the business, construction accounting requires a unique approach. And since the rules are ever-changing, you need an expert who is well-versed […]
What is double taxation and what does it mean for a business?
If you’re operating a business in the United States, you know that paying taxes is something you can’t avoid. However, for businesses that are structured as C-corporations, an issue known as double taxation can make you feel like you’re paying more than your fair share. The following guide takes a look at how double taxation […]
Ghost Kitchen Accounting Basics: What to Know and Why It Matters
Ghost kitchens have experienced exponential growth over the last few years, giving the new restaurateur an affordable shot at success. The term “ghost kitchen” generally refers to virtual restaurants designed exclusively for online ordering and delivery. As such, ghost kitchens aren’t like your typical restaurants – these particular haunts have no seating areas or wait […]
Calculating Your Restaurant’s Prime Cost
As a restaurant owner knowing your key performance indicators is huge and knowing your prime cost is one of the most valuable key performance indicators a restaurant owner can know. Knowing your prime cost is essential when you’re running a restaurant as it gives you more control to facilitate change and make more money. Most […]
4 Key Elements of Great Bookkeeping
Your bookkeeping system is the financial heart of your business. When set up and operating properly, your books help you make smart decisions and seamlessly turn your financial data into useful information. Gurian CPA has provided four key characteristics to build and maintain a healthy bookkeeping system for your business: Select the proper accounting […]
Tax Preparation Mistakes Every Business Should Avoid
Tax season can be a nightmare for most business owners. One small mistake can cause you to pay additional taxes, interest, penalties and fees. It’s not surprise that many taxpayers make some mistakes every year. However, for business owners, these mistakes can lead to hefty penalties and delay refunds. To make your tax season less […]
Marketing Growth Strategies for Small Businesses
Any good marketer knows to keep an eye on the future to stay ahead of the curve on new trends, emerging marketing channels, and other fresh ideas to deliver brand messages. With 2016 in the rear-view mirror and 2017 flying down the pipeline, now is the time to start examining what the New Year is […]
Do beneficiaries of a trust pay taxes?
Beneficiaries of a trust typically pay taxes on distributions they receive from the trust’s income. However, they are not subject to taxes on distributions from the trust’s principal. When a trust makes a distribution, it deducts the income distributed on its own tax return and issues the beneficiary a tax form called a K-1. The […]
How Can American Expats Reduce their IRS Taxes?
Americans living abroad are still required to file US taxes. The US is the only country that requires its expats to file. It is because the US taxes based on citizenship rather than on residence. This leaves the millions of Americans who work abroad at risk of double taxation, paying taxes in both the country […]
How the Sales Tax Holiday Can Boost Your Back-to-School Savings
With several of my family members working in the education field, I know it will be only a matter of time before I’ll get tweets and Facebook shares on the back to school deals they find. Depending on where you live, your state may be offering a huge savings with a sales tax free […]
IRS Simplifies Surviving Spouse Portability Election
The Internal Revenue Service has released a revenue procedure that offers an easier way to get an extension of time to file a return to opt for portability of the deceased spousal unused exclusion amount. Revenue Procedure 2017-34 applies to estates that aren’t typically required to file an estate tax return because the value of […]
HOW TO AVOID TAX HEADACHES WHEN EMPLOYEES TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN ON BUSINESS
Business travel, an expensive and time-consuming activity for both the employer and employee, also can create tax problems for all concerned unless the rules are followed to the letter. If it’s done right, business travel will be fully deductible by the company (but only 50% of travel meals are deductible), tax-free to the employee, and […]
IRS Warns of New Phone Scam Involving Bogus Certified Letters
The Internal Revenue Service today warned people to beware of a new scam linked to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), where fraudsters call to demand an immediate tax payment through a prepaid debit card. This scam is being reported across the country, so taxpayers should be alert to the details. In the latest […]
How to Secure a Valuable Tax Credit for Hiring Designated Workers
Before you interview the next group of job candidates for your small business, whether it’s to fill a full-time position or just for the summer, keep in mind that long-term unemployment recipients and other workers certified by a state agency may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). This isn’t just chicken feed: The […]
How to Play All the Right Tax Angles for Hobbies
Millions of people enjoy hobbies that also provide a source of income. From catering to cupcake baking, crafting homemade jewelry to glass blowing – no matter what your passion is, there will likely be tax repercussions. Some taxpayers are surprised to learn that they must report income earned from hobbies on their tax return. The […]
Some of the Biggest Estate-Planning Mistakes People Make
Will your legacy be a benefit or a burden to your loved ones? It depends on how well you’ve planned. There are some things we just don’t like to think about, much less speak about. The universal truth is we are all going to pass away one day. The legacy you leave can either simplify […]
How To Pay Less In Taxes On Your Investments
In some cases, you can hold a stock for less than a year and avoid short-term capital-gains rates The current federal income-tax rates on long-term capital gains recognized by individual taxpayers are still low by historical standards. The rates range from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 20% depending on your tax bracket. […]
When You Should Establish An IRA As A Trust
A trusteed IRA offers provisions beyond a custodial plan, but is it a good strategy for clients? That answer depends on several factors, including how much control — or not — the client wants their beneficiaries to have. Under the tax code, an IRA can be established as a trust or custodial account. With a […]
